Split spring link



arch 10, 1933. HQFF SPLIT SPRING LINK Filed Oct. 1, 1934 nuan f bg Patented Mar. 10, 1936 FFIQE SPLIT SPRING LINK Edward Daniel Hoff, Mair, Saskatchewan, Canada Application October 1, 1934, Serial No. 746,425

3 Claims.

My invention relates to links and more particularly to split connecting links.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a connecting link embodying therein certain novel features of construction designed to improve the link, both as regards efficiency, and convenience in application of the link to the various uses for which it is adapted. Such features include forming the link with flat resilient side portions designed to facilitate splitting the open end portion of the link to permit engagement with a ring or another link, or other connecting member, and yet operate to provide an effective closure to the open end portion of the link.

In addition for convenience in engaging such other member I provide inner or working faces for the overlapping ends of the links transversely bevelled to provide mating edges and forming elongated indentations designed to facilitate spreading the side portions for engagement purposes.

Other improvements include reinforcement of the shoulders of the overlapping portions of the link, and formation of the throat of the link sufficiently narrowed to prevent connected members crossing and exerting an opposite lateral pull on the side portions.

Additional features of my invention will become apparent fro-m the accompanying description, more particularly when taken in conjunction with the drawing wherein like characters of reference indicate like parts throughout the several views and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of my improved link illustrated in attachment to other links, the latter being shown partly sectioned.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of my improved link illustrated as viewed from the line 2-2 of Figure 1, the open end of the link being shown engaging another link.

Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a somewhat differently formed link commonly known as a D link, embodying my improvements and including a cross section to illustrate the relative thickness of the side portions.

Fig. 4 shows a plan view of another form of link commonly known as a twist D link.

Fig. 5 shows a fragmentary view of a section of the side portion of the link illustrated in Figure 4.

Fig. 6 shows an end view of the type of link illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

Having reference to the drawing, more particularly Figures 1 and 2, my improved link is formed with a rounded end portion I of circular cross section and fiat resilient side portions 2 and 3 terminating in overlapping end portions 4 and 5 of similar formation.

In order to provide suficient resiliency in the side portions coupled with the requisite strength, 5 the link is preferably formed of spring steel and is further of substantially uniform content of material throughout, tho-ugh any suitable material may be used.

That portion of the link indicated by the numeral 6, and forming the throat, is formed relatively narrow being dimensioned slightly wider than the thickness of the closed end I of the link or the thickness of the article the link is normally designed to engage. This prevents crossing of connected links in the throat 6 eliminating possibility of the side portions 2 and 3 being subjected to an opposite lateral pull.

To prevent possibility of the terminating parts of the end portions 4 and 5, interfering or catching on other articles, said parts are curved inward, as indicated at l, in outline being substantially semi-circular with the inner surfaces curved to conform to the contour of the throat 6. Said end parts further have their upper surfaces tapered downward to eliminate any obstruction at the point of junction with the side portions.

The intermediate part of the end portions 4 and.

5 are formed flat but of greater thickness and less width than the side portions 2 and 3, the shoulders 8 and 9 have a greater drawn out surface throughout forming a reinforcement at the junction of the end and side portions, and bevelled on their outer faces, it being at this point the greatest strain on the link is encountered.

To facilitate engagement of the link to another link, such as the link iii shown in Figure 2, or other element to which it is desired to form a connection, the end portions 4 and 5 are bevelled on their inner, or contacting faces. Said bevelled portions co -operate to provide an outer elongated indentation indicated at II. This indentation provides an opening for insertion of the element to be connected serving to facilitate spreading the end portions of the link.

It might be noted that provision of comparatively fiat end portions to the link permits use of a narrow throat to the link.

In Figure 3 is shown a link of substantially D formation embodying therein my improvements. In the more elliptical form of link illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 the side portions are drawn outwardly to carry the width of metal necessitated by flattening the sides without unduly constricting the throat. In the D link illustrated in Figure 3 the side portions indicated at ('2 and I3 are drawn more inwardly to form the narrow throat M in the forward portion of the link.

In Figures 4 and 5 is illustrated a twisted or crossed D link embodying the essential features of the invention, particularly the resilient side portions.

It is understood that I do not desire to limit the invention to the exact details of construction shown and described but that I may vary from the same so as to best construct a practical article for the purposes intended within the scope of the appended claims. 7

What I claim is:

sides of the link being of gradually reduced thickness and of correspondingly increased width toward their length centers.

2. A connecting link split at one end, said end comprising co-operating hooks, the sides of the link being of gradually reduced thickness towards their length centers right angular to the planes of the hooks and correspondingly wider towards the length centers in the planes of the books.

3. An oblong connecting link split at one end, said end comprising co-operating reversely arranged hooks, the sides of the link being of gradually reduced thickness towards their length centers, at a right angle to the planes of the respective hooks, and correspondingly wider towards 'the length centers in the planes of the hooks.

EDWARD DANIEL HOFF. 

